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Supplemental Levy Information: Frequently Asked Questions
Will Blaine County School District Receive Increased Funding from the State of Idaho?
Although a legislative committee has recommended increased state funding for local school districts, it is impossible to determine the amount that the Blaine County School District would receive until February, 2019 when required attendance and staffing figures are available.
Any increase in funding first depends upon approval by the full legislature. If current trends continue and the recommendation is improved, Blaine County is likely to receive an increase of approximately 3 percent in state funding (or approximately $560,000) rather than the 5.9 percent increase recommended for the state as a whole.
Why is this?
The State of Idaho determines funding for local districts according to a complex formula that revolves around student attendance. This amount of funding varies each year and can change if the State adjusts funding on a per-student basis, and/or enrollment increases or decreases. The formula also includes the number of certified staff (teachers, social workers, etc.) and their placement on the state career ladder. The state allocates funds for a specific number of certified, classified and administrative staff based on state guidance for staffing levels, not on levels that have existed in Blaine County for many years. Blaine County property taxes pay for much more, including smaller class sizes and more course offerings.
What does this mean for the Blaine County School District?
The committee has approved a 5.9 percent increase to the State’s educational K-12 system as a whole. A district with high student growth will see a larger increase, while other districts will receive a lower percentage or possibly even a reduction in funding.
Blaine County School District’s enrollment growth for the past several years has been about 1 percent per year. If this rate holds, this will translate into an increase in funding of approximately $560,000. If the enrollment and resulting attendance are less, the funding increase could be less than 3 percent.
If you have questions, call the district office at 208-578-5005.
Blaine County School District General Fund Staffing Levels |
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Projected Fiscal Yr 2017-18 |
# of State Funded Full Time Equivalency |
# of Actual Full Time Equivalency |
# Over the State Funding Level |
Instructional or Certified Staff |
169 |
260 |
91 |
Pupil Services |
13 |
22 |
9 |
Non-Certified Staff |
61 |
117 |
56 |
Administrative Staff |
12 |
16 |
4 |
* All values are rounded |
Estimated state funding for these positions: $12,107,074 |
Estimated local funding (property taxes) for these positions: $30,552,379 |
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